Shares and Shareholding
- What is my shareholder reference number?
- How do I transfer shares into another person's name?
- Can I transfer shares to a child?
- I want to give shares to someone as a gift. How do I go about it?
- One of my relatives has just died and I have been named a beneficiary. What steps do I need to take to have the shares transferred into my name?
- How do I inform you of my change of address?
- Why do I receive multiple sets of any information which the company sends to me?
- How do I check a shareholding?
- I have recently changed my name, what should I do?
- What am I entitled to as a registered shareholder?
- Is this a good time to buy/sell Pearson shares?
- How can I check today's share price?
- Where do I get hold of the original price I paid for my shares?
- I have a question about the tax on my shares and / or dividends - whom do I speak to?
- How do I donate my shares to charity?
- Can I consolidate my share certificates?
- I'd like to change my bank mandate instructions, how do I do this?
Answers
Q: What is my shareholder reference number?
A: When you first buy shares in Pearson plc you are given a unique eleven-digit reference number. This is shown on the top of share certificates under the heading “Shareholder Reference” and on dividend tax vouchers. It should be quoted in all correspondence with the Registrar.
Q: How do I transfer shares into another person's name?
A: You will need to obtain a stock transfer form from our Registrar, and return this together with your share certificate(s) to arrange the transfer of ownership. For further information and to obtain a stock transfer form, please contact the Registrar, Equiniti.
Q: Can I transfer shares to a child?
A: It is usually possible to transfer shares to someone below the age of 18 (or 16 if the company is registered in Scotland) but you should note that this can lead to complications: for example, dividends will be paid only in the name of the shareholder and if you subsequently wish to transfer shares held in the name of a minor, you will need a court order.
Alternatively, you can continue to hold shares in your name on behalf of the minor, segregating them from other shares you may hold by adding a 'designation'. This is a short identifier, usually a few letters long that marks the shares on our records as a separate holding. You can do this by filling in a stock transfer form, completing the form with your name as both transferor and transferee and specifying a designation in the transferee details. When choosing a designation, you must avoid using names and recognisable phrases.
Q: I want to give shares to someone as a gift. How do I go about it?
A: You should complete a stock transfer form and return it to the Registrar with your share certificate(s). To print a form click here.
Q: One of my relatives has just died and I have been named a beneficiary. What steps do I need to take to have the shares transferred into my name?
A: The Registrar will require a certified copy of the death certificate, a sealed office copy of the Grant of Representation when available and the share certificate(s). Once the Grant has been noted on their records they will arrange to have the shares transferred into the name of the beneficiary. For further details, please contact the Registrar direct.
Q: How do I inform you of my change of address?
A:You can notify us of a change of address by:
- Telephone if own 2,500 shares or less,
- Writing to the Registrar providing both your previous address and new address, or
- Downloading the form here.
Q: Why do I receive multiple sets of any information which the company sends to me?
A: If you have acquired shares on more than one occasion, your holdings may have been recorded on the register of shareholders with slightly different details. As a result, two or more accounts may have been set up for you. Sometimes multiple accounts are necessary, for example, if you hold shares in your own name and also in joint names with a partner. However, sometimes multiple accounts can be amalgamated. Please contact Equiniti (our Registrar) to discuss whether your accounts can be amalgamated.
Q: How do I check a shareholding?
A: Shareholdings can be checked on-line by going to http://www.shareview.co.uk or by contacting the Registrar.
Q: I have recently changed my name, what should I do?
A: Write to the Registrar giving full details of the following:
- Your old name
- Your new name
- A copy of any legal documentation, such as marriage certificate or deed poll. Where your name has changed as a result of separation or divorce, and you wish to revert to your maiden name, a copy of any supporting documentation must be sent to the Registrar. All correspondence must be signed.
Please send this to our Registrar.
Q: What am I entitled to as a registered shareholder?
A: When you either buy shares or shares are transferred to you, you become a part owner of the company. The benefits of owning shares include:
- Dividends - these are normally received twice a year in May and September
- Annual General Meeting - each year you will be invited to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting of the company.
- Financial Information - You can view the annual report on our website by clicking here or you can elect to receive the annual report in paper form by contacting the Registrar.
Q: Is this a good time to buy/sell Pearson shares?
A: Under the Financial Services Act, we are not authorised to provide advice to investors on share dealing. For advice on dealing, please contact your stockbroker or financial adviser.
Q: How can I check today's share price?
A: Click here to view the current share price.
Q: Where do I get hold of the original price I paid for my shares?
A: Your contract note which was provided by the broker when purchasing the shares will have this information. Also the Stock Exchange can provide this information. Click here for current share price information.
Q: I have a question about the tax on my shares and / or dividends - whom do I speak to?
A: Your financial adviser.
Q: How do I donate my shares to charity?
A: If you hold a small number of shares, the value of which may make it uneconomical to sell them, you can give them to charity through ShareGift, the charity share donation scheme. This is a registered charity (no.1052686) which accumulates small shareholdings, sells them and donates the proceeds to a wide range of different UK charities. The service is free (although there may be an indemnity fee if you have lost your share certificate). Giving shares to charity in this way does not give rise to any gain or loss for Capital Gains Tax purposes, and UK taxpayers may be able to claim income relief on the value of their donation.
For further information on ShareGift please log on to their website www.sharegift.org or write to them at 17 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH.
Q: Can I consolidate my share certificates?
A: Yes, if your certificated holding in Pearson plc is represented by several share certificates you may wish to have these replaced by one consolidated share certificate. There is no charge for this service. You should send your certificates with a letter of instruction to our Registrar.
Q: I'd like to change my bank mandate instructions, how do I do this?
A: Our Registrar can now accept mandate instructions over the telephone from their contact centre for holders of 2,500 shares or less. For holders of over 2,500 shares just complete the Dividend mandate form (PDF) and send it to our Registrar.